ISL 2023-24: Players gave their all, except for the goals: Hyderabad FC’s Thangboi Singto

Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto feels his players gave their all, except for the goals after their 2-0 loss against defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Saturday.

The Nizams were able to keep the reigning champions at bay for 84 minutes. However, Brendan Hamill scored in the 85th minute to put his team in front. Subsequently, Asish Rai scored his opening goal of the season in stoppage time to seal the game for Juan Ferrando’s team.

“The players gave their all, except for the goals, which we haven’t been able to score. Other than that, I think we were quite strong in all areas of the games,” Singto stated in the post-match press conference.

Both teams almost had equal possession but Hyderabad FC could only take one shot on target and thus could not create many chances. Singto reckons his team played better in the first half but they could bring their best in the second half.

“Twelve shots, one shot on target. That sums up our performance,” he said.

“Irrespective of missing some of the strikers, I think those who played today in a little bit out of position, they did really well. I think first 18 to 20 minutes, I think we’re really, really on to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. We played really well,” Singto continued.

“Overall, in the first half, I think we were the better team, but they got better chances in the first half in terms of taking shots on goal. The second half was good to come back, goalless, but the players were in a little bit of tiredness (in the end). Maybe they didn’t focus at the end, and the (first) goal we conceded, I won’t say unlucky but we could’ve done better there,” he continued.

Singto reckons his team must convert their chances to get the right results their way in the upcoming matches.

“Football-wise, I think we have done quite well in terms of playing good attacking football. But we have to convert chances; that’s the area I think we have to keep looking for solutions for that,” the head coach commented.

Hyderabad FC will next take on NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on 10th December.